Cameron Smith was beaming with a smile as he sat in his post-victory press conference at the Open Championship on Sunday. There was a carefree mood in the room, and Smith was open and honest with the media as they picked his brain on the events of the day.
But then, as is the case more often than not in player availabilities these days, the focus shifted to LIV Golf.
“Cam, apologies for having to bring this up in these circumstances, but your name continues to be mentioned, has been mentioned to me this week about LIV Golf,” the reporter said. “What’s your position? Are you interested? Is there any truth to suggestions that you might be signing?”
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Smith was not happy his victory presser had taken such a turn, and he let the reporter know.
“I just won the British Open, and you’re asking about that?” Smith said. “I think that’s pretty not that good.”
The reporter didn’t budge.
“I appreciate that, but the question is still there,” he said. “Are you interested at all? Is there any truth in that?”
“I don’t know, mate,” Smith said. “My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
The moment was a tense (and awkward) one, but it was also telling. When given the opportunity to squash rumors that he would soon leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed league, Smith instead opted to dodge the question.
Should the newly minted Open champion decide to sign with LIV, he would be the highest ranked player on their roster of players at No. 2 in the OWGR.
LIV Golf retreated to the background of the golf world last week as the 150th Open Championship was played, but the league is expected to soon announce another batch of high-profile signings. Among those expected to make the leap include Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson, according to Sky Sport‘s Jamie Weir.
Stenson is expected to be stripped of his Ryder Cup captaincy should he sign with LIV.
The next LIV Golf event is scheduled for July 29 at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J.